How to Get Emancipated in Mississippi

By Molly Thompson

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The legal age of emancipation (legal release from parental control and support) in Mississippi is 21, in contrast to 18 or 19 in most of the rest of the country. There is no state legal provision for earlier emancipation at the request of the minor, the more traditional understanding of emancipation. Mississippi legal precedent has evolved from cases brought by parents who seek to end their obligation to support a minor child. A child seeking emancipation from parental control in Mississippi must prove state residency, full-time income and financial self-sufficiency, at a minimum.

Contact a family advocate, family law specialist or the Mississippi Department of Human Services. Explain your situation and why you are seeking emancipation. These experts can help you determine whether or not you have a case worth pursuing.

Obtain, and provide to your legal representative, official notarized documents proving 1) you no longer live with a custodial parent, 2) you are legally married, 3) you have joined the military, or 4) you are working full-time, can support yourself and no longer live at home. The more of these criteria you meet, the greater the chances a Mississippi judge will consider your request.

Appear before a judge in family court to officially request emancipation. Either you or your legal representative must present all the facts that support your request, along with the documentation outlined in Step 2.

Inform both your legal representative and the judge if your custodial parent is abusive. Although abuse is not in itself a guarantee of emancipation in Mississippi, it may influence the judge's decision in your favor.

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About the Author

As a national security analyst for the U.S. government, Molly Thompson wrote extensively for classified USG publications. Thompson established and runs a strategic analysis company, is a professional genealogist and participates in numerous community organizations.Thompson holds degrees from Wellesley and Georgetown in psychology, political science and international relations.